Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 15, 2024

Purpose: To seek approval to undertake the procurement of a support service for stroke survivors, their families and carers that reside in East Berkshire. Bracknell Forest Council to lead the commissioning process on behalf of the East Berkshire Specialist Commissioning Partnership.

Content:   i.       an open tender is progressed under the current procurement regulations (2015) for an East Berkshire Stroke Support Service.   ii.     Bracknell Forest to continue the role as Lead Commissioner supported by the East Berkshire Partnership.   iii.    authority is delegated for the Executive Director: People to approve contract award in consultation with the Executive Member for Adults and Public Health.

Reasons for the decision: 1.     The Care Act 2014 places a duty of care on local authorities to provide information and advice to promote the wellbeing of individuals, including stroke survivors, ensuring that people receive the support they need to live independently and make informed choices about their care.   2.     The health and social care integration white paper published in 2022 emphasises the importance of providing comprehensive information, advice and guidance to individuals ensuring the right support is provided throughout their recovery journey.   3.     The East Berkshire Specialist Stroke Support Service provides high quality information, specialist advice and (non-medical) support to stroke survivors and families / carers.   4.     The service is funded through the Better Care Fund for each contributing partner which includes the Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB), Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM), Slough Borough Council (SBC) and Bracknell Forest Council.   5.     In consideration of the specialist nature of the service, the East Berkshire commissioning partnership have indicated a preference for a 5-year (3+1+1) contract in order to provide market sustainability and consistency of service for stroke survivors and their families.

Alternative options considered: 1.     A significant exercise led by Frimley ICB was undertaken in 23/24 to consider whether the East Berkshire Stroke Support Service should be broadened geographically to include the whole of the Frimley Integrated Care Service (ICS). It is important to note that all areas within the ICS provide stroke support services to residents, the aim of this exercise was to consider the benefits of a joint contractual service.   2.     Considerations included the demographics, existing funding and contractual arrangements and stroke prevalence across the ICS.   3.     Parties concluded that the varying contractual arrangements and geographical limitations of the ICS meant that an East Berkshire contract is the most viable approach for the East Berkshire residents.